The search for a missing Radcliff woman intensified Tuesday as Radcliff Police and various fire departments searched Saunders Springs Nature Preserve with dogs looking for a trail of Gwendolyn S. Payne.

Neal Cardin

Rowdy leads the way Tuesday as a team heads into the woods at Saunders Springs Nature Preserve in the search for Gwendolyn S. Payne.

Rowdy trots down a trail Tuesday in Saunders Springs Nature Preserve as she assists in the search for Gwendolyn S. Payne. Rowdy and her handler, Sharon Franklin, are with the Canine Search Inc. and are from Magnolia.

The Kentucky Bloodhounds Association out of Jefferson County supplied dogs to search for a scent Tuesday, starting at 10 a.m. Shumate said “one of the bloodhounds picked up her scent and went into Saunders Springs.” Shumate said it’s about a mile and a half from Payne’s home into the nature preserve.

The dog led officials to a ravine about 1,000 yards past a picnic area before losing the scent. It was the only scent lead the dogs picked up Tuesday.

“We’re trying to cover all of our bases,’’ Shumate said. “After we get done with our searching, we’re really at a standstill until we get more clues or leads.’’

The search with the bloodhounds lasted about seven hours Tuesday, Shumate said.

While Payne, who is married but has been separated for five years, has not been seen or heard from, her vehicle remains in her driveway. Her purse is missing, Shumate said.

In addition to RPD and the Kentucky Bloodhounds Association, officials from the Radcliff Fire Department, Vine Grove Fire Department and Fort Knox Fire Department also assisted with Tuesday’s search.

Shumate said the investigation into Payne’s whereabouts will continue today.

Anyone with information about the case can contact the Radcliff Police Department at 351-4477.

Jeff D’Alessio can be reached at (270) 505-1757 or jdalessio@thenewsenterprise.com.